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2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Middle Georgia Regional CommissionGRC

2018 MGRC Annual Report1

WILKINSON COUNTYChairman Mark Dupree*Councilman Charles BrackMr. Marty DominyCommissioner C. L. BrooksMs. Emma Bacon

GOVERNOR APPOINTMENTSMr. James Vaughn*Mr. Charles Sims Ms. Nancy Nash

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR APPOINTMENTVacant SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE APPOINTMENTVacant

MEETINGRegular Meetings: 6:00 p.m. second Thursday of each month, except July and December. ANNUAL MEETING Second Thursday of October * Executive Committee

BALDWIN COUNTYCommissioner Johnny Westmoreland*Councilman Richard MullinsMr. Lee Slade Mr. Derek WilliamsCouncilwoman Denese Shinholster

CRAWFORD COUNTYChairman Paul ChapmanMayor Jay AndrewsMr. Charles Westberry*Mr. Brent LoweMr. Robert Ray

HOUSTON COUNTYChairman Tommy StalnakerMayor John HarleyMr. George E. Slappey*Mayor Randy Toms Councilman Clifford Holmes

JONES COUNTYChairman Chris Weidner Mayor Ed Barbee*Mr. Jimmy RobertsMr. Francis AdamsMr. Frank Duke

MACON-BIBB COUNTYMayor Robert A. B. Reichert*Commissioner Al TillmanMr. Jim ManleyMs. Yolanda LatimoreMr. Dominque Johnson

MONROE COUNTYChairman Gregory TapleyMayor Eric Wilson*Dr. Richard Bazemore*Councilman Melvin LawrenceMr. Edd Norris

PEACH COUNTYChairman Martin MoseleyMayor Barbara Williams*Councilman LeMario BrownCouncilman James RichardsonMr. James Khoury

PULASKI COUNTYSole Commissioner Butch Hall*City Commissioner Henry E. Cravey IIIMr. Brooks BaileyCity Commissioner James ColsonMr. Tim Young

PUTNAM COUNTYChairman Stephen HerseyMayor Walter Rocker*Mr. Paul Van HauteMr. Billy Webster Mr. Gary Sanders

TWIGGS COUNTYChairman Ken Fowler*Mayor Charles Williams Ms. Shannon Hart*Ms. Kathryn EppsMayor Tracy Jackson

The Regional Commission Council is responsible for general oversight, establishing policy and direction of the organization and the component units in accordance with state and federal laws.

MGRCCOUNCIL

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CHAIRMAN’SMESSAGE

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On behalf of the Council and staff of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, I am pleased to present the 2018 Annual Report.

This report highlights the projects, programs, and accomplishments of the Regional Commission for the past fiscal year. We celebrated as five middle Georgia communities received a planning excellence designation from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and significant economic development projects were announced across the region. In addition, we embarked on the very important work of preparing for the 2020 US Census through the Local Update of Census Addresses program. The WorkSource Macon-Bibb program experienced high levels of success fully operating the Comprehensive OneStop and providing service to more than 4,000 customers. Lastly, in Aging we expanded our care consultation services, providing telephone case management to older adults and caregivers in Middle Georgia and two other regions in the state.

The work of the Regional Commission was recognized by several organizations for its financial excellence and program innovation. For the twenty-third year, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.Two major initiatives of the past year were recognized by the National Association of Development Organizations as 2018 Innovation Award winners. For the first time, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission also received the Innovation in Community Leadership award from the University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development for the Regional Leadership Champions program. I am certain that the year ahead will present both new opportunities and challenges for the region. I am confident that our Middle Georgia Regional Commission is well-positioned for the future.

I am certain that the year ahead will present both new opportunities and

challenges for the region. I am confident that our

Middle Georgia Regional Commission is adaptive

and well-positioned for the future.

Robert A.B. Reichert Chairman

2018 MGRC Annual Report

THA

NK

YO

U

American Pride Bank, BASF, Century Bank & Trust, Conn Realty, GEC, Georgia Foreign Trade Zone, GIS Inc, Goodwill Industries, Infinity Network Solutions, Macon Occupational Medicine, Martin Snow, LLP, Oconee EMC, Platinum Geomantics, Sellers Contracting Services, Solar Tyme USA, LLC, SunMark Community Bank, Tolbert and Associates, Warner

BTBB, Inc. - Architects / Planners, Cardno, Carter Engineering Group, Cox Communications, Flint Energies, G. Ben Turnipseed Engineers, Hofstadter & Associates, Richardson, Garretson, & Associates, Schneider Electric, State Bank & Trust Company, the Atlantic Group

The Regional Commission’s Annual Meeting provides an excellent platform to connect with partners, agencies, community and business leaders, and elected officials.

Advanced Disposal/Wolf Creek Landfill, AT&T, CGJDA, Clark Nexsen, Cogentes, Esri, Georgia Power, MetroPower, Morris Bank, Seyfarth & Shaw, LLP, Southern Equipment, LLC

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A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSORS

2018 MGRC Annual Report

FINANCIALREPORT

Each year, the Regional Commission produces a comprehensive financial report, which is audited for compliance with Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The Middle Georgia Regional Commission continued to operate in a fiscally responsible manner and received an Unmodified Audit Opinion with no audit exceptions for the 2017 fiscal year. Additionally, for the past 23 years, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The Budget, Audit and Personnel Committee of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission provides leadership and oversight for the financial management of the organization. This standing committee develops the annual budget, monitors performance, and reports regularly on the Regional Commission’s financial condition.

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission is funded by federal, state, and local governments. For FY18, the total budget was $13,083,716, of which $6,788,084 was pass-through funding for the Aging and Transportation programs and other agencies. Dues from local government accounted for the smallest percentage of revenue received by the Regional Commission. The operating budget for the Regional Commission was $6,295,632, which covers personnel and operating expenses, such as supplies, telecommunications, training, and contracts for professional services.

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Pass-Through Transportation

$1,779,798

Pass-Through Aging $4,690,251

Personnel $3,114,036

Pass-Through Other $318,035

Other Operations $3,181,596

2%

16%

20%

27%

35%

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $13,083,716

2%5%

5%

8%

16%

29%35%

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2017 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Pass-Through Aging $4,3690,251

Federal Grants $3,991,894

State Grants and Appropriations

$1,085,415

Local Government Dues $643,416

Pass-Through Transportation

$1,779,798

Pass-Through Other $318,035

Local Grants and Appropriations

$573,907

TOTAL REVENUE

$13,083,716

2018 MGRC Annual Report7

In 2017 and 2018, Macon-Bibb County requested assistance with updating its Urban Redevelopment Plan to better reflect efforts undertaken to support affordable housing initiatives throughout the county. The amended plan served as a key component in the application submitted by the Macon Housing Authority/In-Fill Housing, Inc. for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. To-date, the project has resulted in the successful funding of Phase III of the Tindall Fields Redevelopment Project -Tindall Fields II. Earning the highest score in the annual competition, the Macon Housing Authority/In-Fill Housing, Inc. was able to secure $876,000 in funding to complete 65 units for low-income families in the fall of 2018. Through the additional amendments to the plan, Macon Housing Authority/In-Fill Housing, Inc. was able to secure funding for the fourth and final phase of the Tindall Fields Community Redevelopment Project - Tindall Fields III. The Regional Commission’s support of the project resulted in it being selected by NADO as a 2018 Innovation Award winner for the collaborative partnerships required and its impact.

NADO Innovation Award

In 2018, the third cohort of Middle Georgia Regional Leadership Champions launched with 18 participants from across the region. This program is a collaborative effort of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, in partnership with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. It is designed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from across Middle Georgia to develop enhanced leadership capacity within the region and actively shape the future vision of a thriving Middle Georgia. In 2018, the program received the Innovation in Community Leadership Award from the J.W. Fanning Institute.

Middle Georgia Regional Leadership Champions

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1 2

34

5

67

8 9

10 11

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Allentown Byron Centerville Culloden Danville Eatonton Forsyth Fort Valley Gordon Gray Hawkinsville Irwinton Ivey Jeffersonville McIntyre Milledgeville Perry Roberta Toomsboro Warner Robins

Baldwin Crawford Houston Jones Macon-Bibb Monroe Peach Pulaski Putnam Twiggs Wilkinson

COUNTIES CITIES

MIDDLE GEORGIASERVICE REGION

2018 MGRC Annual Report9

In March 2018, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission began a pilot project with Northwest and Three Rivers Regional Commissions to provide Care Consultation services for individuals and caregivers living in their regions. Care Consultation provides telephone-based on-going emotional support, service referral, and empowerment through education and informed decision-making. In total, Care Consultation services were provided to 31 individuals and caregivers living in the Middle Georgia, Northwest and Three Rivers regions.

Care ConsultationIn observance of Older Americans month, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission hosted its annual Senior Day Expo on May 31, 2018 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds with more than 1,000 older adults and community resource providers in attendance. This year’s national theme was “Engage at Every Age”. Seniors enjoyed a fun-filled day packed with physical activities, socialization, information, and door prizes. The Regional Commission was pleased to welcome Georgia Division of Aging Services Abby Cox as a special guest. This exciting and fun day would not have been possible without great partners.

Senior Expo 2018

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission is designated through the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA). In this role, staff are responsible for planning, coordinating, contracting, and monitoring publicly-funded services that meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

AGINGSERVICES

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Caregiver ClosetFor the past several years, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission has maintained a caregiver closet to provide caregivers with incontinence products. Older adults, people living with disabilities, and caregivers often need to purchase incontinence products which can be an added burden while living on a fixed income. The caregiver closet is supported through state funding, reimbursements for program workshops, and products donated by individuals and local community groups. In 2018, 68 caregivers were provided incontinence products. Donations into the caregiver closet nearly equaled the annual state funding allocated to the initiative.

What-A-WasteThe National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH) developed the What-A-Waste program exclusively for senior nutrition programs. The initiative addresses food consumption, food service operations, and food waste repurposing, including composting. Senior center staff and seniors from Baldwin, Jones, Peach, Twiggs, and Wilkinson Counties have participated in the program.

GEORGIA CARES PROGRAM WELLNESS PROGRAM

HOME & COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES

COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES

POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS

TRANSITIONS PROGRAMS

AAA PROGRAM IMPACTS - AT A GLANCE... 1,209 clients

were counseled, saving over

$425K

Over 467 participants in five wellness

programs

300,000+ meals served

Over 31K in-home services

33 clients transitioned

out of nursing homes

1,065 individuals received in-home services

23 caregivers recieved

education classes

In-Home Case ManagementIn-home case management services involves person-centered services that assess complex social and health needs of seniors and disabled persons. Individuals and caregivers work with case management staff to design a plan of care that targets the needs of an individual allowing that individual to continue living in the community. Thirty-one individuals were served in 2018.

2018 MGRC Annual Report11

PUBLICADMINISTRATION

In 2018, Middle Georgia Regional Commission continued to assist local governments with grant writing services to implement vital projects. As a result of this work, over $2.1 million in grant funding was awarded. The City of Fort Valley received two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Fort Valley received a grant for $750,000 to make critical improvements to the community’s sewer system that will benefit 452 residents who currently experience chronic sewage overflows due to stormwater intrusion. Fort Valley also received a 2018 CDBG Redevelopment Fund grant for $406,000 to fund asbestos abatement and demolish the old Peach County Hospital that has been vacant since 2013. The City of Forsyth received $510,790 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to fund important upgrades to the city’s electrical infrastructure that serves the Monroe County Industrial Park. These improvements will allow several businesses to expand their footprints in Middle Georgia. Lastly, Putnam County Development Authority received $446,552 in OneGeorgia Equity funding for site preparation and infrastructure improvements in the South Eatonton-Putnam Industrial Park.

Major Funding Awards in 2018

The Public Administration department provides a variety of professional assistance to the local governments of Middle Georgia, such as community and economic development, transportation, planning, and local government administrative services.

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Throughout FY18, MGRC completed Comprehensive Planning efforts for the entire region’s five-year planning cycle. With all communities setting ambitious goals and clear work priorities, the attention of the region now shifts to plan implementation. Five Middle Georgia communities received a planning excellence designation from Georgia Department of Community Affairs in February. Jones County was re-designated as a PlanFirst Community for a second time. The Regional Commission also assisted Crawford County and the Cities of Byron, Forsyth and Perry, with receiving their first PlanFirst designation. The PlanFirst program provides incentives for communities in grant applications and provides lower interest rates on programs managed or supported by the State of Georgia, including Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) loans and Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund loans.

Excellence in Plan Implementation

FY18 was an exciting year for economic development throughout the middle Georgia region as several companies announced major relocations and expansions. Amazon was the headliner of FY18 with a new fulfillment center relocating to Macon-Bibb. Amazon will create 500 full-time jobs, with up to 1,000 workers employed in peak season. Irving Consumer Products, a Canadian based company, will also be one of Macon-Bibb’s newest industrial residents, bringing 200 new jobs and $400 million in private investment with its facial tissue manufacturing facility. Peach County was able to attract Pure Flavor, which is building a 75-acre high-tech greenhouse outside of Fort Valley. Pure Flavor will also add over 200 new jobs once its fully operational, while also providing new food production for the region. Finally, Crawford County announced the creation of 30 new jobs with the location of Bradbury Logistics, LLC in the county’s small business incubator facility.

Economic Development Wins

2018 MGRC Annual Report13

Web Design and MaintenanceIn 2018, the Regional Commission developed and deployed new websites for the City of irwinton, the City of Byron-Economic and Community Development, Eatonton-Putnam County Water and Sewer Authority, and WorkSource Macon-Bibb County and refreshed three websites for existing local governments. The Regional Commission provides support to over 40 websites, providing a variety of services, including annual domain name registration and maintenance, backup and recovery, server security, website maintenance training, and plug-in customization services.

TECHNOLOGYSERVICES

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission provides a wide variety of technology-based services to member governments, including the use and analysis of geospatial data and services, global positioning system (GPS) data collection, multi-media and web development, graphic design, printing, and general systems administration support.

NADO AWARDIn 2018, the Regional Commission received a NADO Innovation Award for the development of an online work order system. The Tax Parcel Work Order System (PWOS) was created to enhance tax parcel maintenance services provided by the Regional Commission. The PWOS was designed specifically for tax assessors and Regional Commission staff to interactively submit, track and maintain tax parcel work orders in real-time. The PWOS is customizable to meet the needs of each county tax assessor’s office under contract with the Regional Commission for tax parcel maintenance service.

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HAZUS Multi-Hazard Risk Assessments Building on a pilot project from 2017, the Regional Commission completed a HAZUS-MH II risk assessment for Crawford County. HAZUS is a supplemental report to the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDMP) that combines tax parcel and essential facilities data into model scenarios for various natural disasters, including hurricane winds, hurricane storm surge, floods, and tornados.

In 2018, the Regional Commission participated in the US Census Bureau’s Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program. The LUCA process is the only opportunity a local government is given to review the master address database to be used by the federal government in preparation for the decennial Census. As an Affiliate State Data Center, the Regional Commission received baseline address data from the Census Bureau, processed and analyzed it in comparison to local address sources and submitted the revised address listings for inclusion into the master address database. Through this program, more than 230,000 addresses were validated and approximately 34,000 were added across the region. The potential impact to the region is significant as each person counted in the decennial census equates to $1,399 annually in federal funding for select programs.

Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA)

Tax Parcel MaintenanceFor over 19 years, Middle Georgia Regional Commission has been providing tax parcel maintenance services to county tax assessors. The Regional Commission uses GIS technology to accurately edit and update tax parcels for the following member governments: Baldwin, Crawford, Macon-Bibb, Monroe, Pulaski, Putnam, and Twiggs Counties. Additional services include the compilation of annual Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) reports, Conservation Use Valuation Assessments (CUVA), mylar hardcopy print production and updates to soils, landcover, and related maps.

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (Map-21) ProgramDuring 2018, the Regional Commission continued work on the MAP-21 program for the middle Georgia region. MAP-21 is an intergovernmental partnership between the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – Office of Transportation Data (OTD), the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) – Information Technology Outreach Service (ITOS) and the state’s 12 regional commissions. The MAP-21 program is helping the state comply with federal mandates to validate and map local road characteristics like road names, surface type, traffic direction, medians, lanes and signalization. In 2018, the Regional Commission worked with Crawford and Putnam County officials to complete their MAP-21 data sets. Middle Georgia Regional Commission also serves as the statewide program manager, assisting all regional commissions with their MAP-21 efforts.

2018 MGRC Annual Report15

WorkSource Macon-Bibb works to ensure a strong and vital economy by developing a regional workforce that connects employers with skilled talent and connects job seekers with the education and training necessary for successful employment. The program delivers high-quality services to help job seekers access the tools and resources they need to manage their careers and to meet the needs of employers by developing sustainable workforce solutions. Workforce Development is funded by grants from the US Department of Labor, through the State of Georgia, to the Middle Georgia Regional Commission. This allows services to be provided at no cost to the job seeker or employer.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE... • Twenty- three job seekers completed the Manufacturing Fundamentals Program. The

12-week intensive program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in the middle Georgia region. Participants obtain five certifications through Central Georgia Technical College, employment readiness training, and an 8-week paid internship with a manufacturing company.

• Two former program participants who completed their training now have leadership roles in their careers. Ms. Deana Harkins currently serves as Program Chair/Invasive Instructor at Central Georgia Technical College. Ms. Lisa Stephens was recently promoted to Program Chair of the Radiologic Technology Program at Albany Technical College.

• There were four new enrollments into the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). GaTAPP prepares individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and did not complete a teacher education degree program, to successfully transition into the teaching profession. Also, during the year, two candidates successfully completed and secured full-time teaching positions in Middle Georgia.

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.

Adults who earned a credential during PY17

Youth employed or placed in training or military within six months after ending services

Youth 12 months of employment or placement after ending services

Adults who earned a credential during PY17

87%

85%

58%

84%

87%

85%

58%

84%

SUCCESS

89%93%

$6,599

Adult individuals employed within six months after ending services

Adult individuals employed for 12 months after ending services

Adult median earnings (includes both Adults and Dislocated Workers)

16

PERFORMANCE OUTCOME

884 Direct Services

Provided to Adult Individuals

455 Direct Services

Provided to Youth Individuals

4,153 Total Adult

Customers Served in PY17

929 Total Youth

Customers Served in PY17

2018 MGRC Annual Report17

MGRCSERVICES

The Regional Commission is the regional planning and development agency serving the communities of Middle Georgia. Services are provided in a wide variety of areas including Aging Services, Economic Development, Public Administration, Technology Services, Transportation, and Workforce Development.

Aging Services

Preventive Healthcare: Chronic Disease Self-Management, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition, Medication Management, Tai Chi Exercise, Matter of Balance (Fall Protection) Support Services: Congregate and Home Delivered Meals, In-Home Services,Care Consultation, Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention, Outreach and Education, Information and Assistance, Elder Advocacy, Caregiver Closet, Assistive Technology Devices Program Implementation: GeorgiaCares Counseling, Caregiver Support, Options Counseling, Money Follows The Person

Public Administration

Local Government Support, Community Planning, Charter and Ordinance Research, Environmental Planning, Personnel Administration

Historic Preservation, Downtown Development Plans, Redevelopment Plans, Housing Assessments, Policy Research and Development, Grant Preparation and Administration Annexation Analysis, Service Delivery Strategy, Meeting Facilitation, Project Management, GA Planning Act Compliance, Land Use Regulations

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Technology Services

Geospatial Analysis (GIS Mapping)GPS Data CollectionTax Parcel Maintenance Services Multimedia and Graphics DesignWebsite DevelopmentPrinting Services Data ManagementCloud ServicesCensus Preparation and Coordination

Workforce Development

Business and Industry: Workforce Needs Analysis, Labor Market Information, Talent Identification, Customized Training Youth Programs: Career Pathways, Dual CTAE Enrollment, Graduation and GED Attainment, Employment Preparation Workshops Adult Programs: Education and Training, Industry Certifications Employment Workshops, Targeted Job Fairs, Re-employment Services

Transportation

Rural Public TransportationHuman Services TransportationBicycle and Pedestrian Planning Regional Mobility ManagementComplete Streets PlanningRiver Corridor Planning Safe Routes to Schools WRATS and MATS AssistanceTransit Development PlansSidewalk Inventories / Plans

Economic Development

Incentive DevelopmentDeal StructuringProspect Inquiries

Prospect Site VisitsSite CertificationsSmall Business FinancingEconomic Impact Analysis

Demographic Data AnalysisEB-5 ProgramForeign Trade Zone

2018 MGRC Annual Report

175 Emery Highway Suite C | Macon, Georgia 31217 Phone: (478) 751-6160 | Fax: (478) 751-6517

eMail: info@mg-rc.org Web: www.mgrc.org

The objectives of the Regional Commission are to develop, promote, and assist in establishing coordinated and comprehensive planning in Georgia; to provide local governments, on both an individual and regional basis, with professional technical assistance to improve local government service programs; to provide information technology-based services; to manage nonprofit corporations created by the Regional Commission in accor dance with Georgia law for the operation of revolving loan programs and to function as a certified development company; to function as the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA), responsible for services, advocating on behalf of older persons in need, and contracting with a network of agencies to provide direct services to the elderly in the middle Georgia region; and to provide workforce development services in Area 10.

OUR MISSION